Kon’nichiwa!
The Golden Route of Japan is the classic tourist route for a first trip to Japan. There is also a NEW Golden Route of Japan.
The New Golden Route of Japan is a suggested tourist route that highlights destinations in Central Japan, connected mainly by the Hokuriku shinkansen bullet train between Tokyo and Kanazawa, and continuing on towards (but not quite to) Kyoto.
It’s more or less a name that was developed to get you to consider some lesser known towns of Japan that are between Tokyo and Kyoto, instead of sticking to the most popular tourist cities of Tokyo and Kyoto only… and you should consider towns in Central Japan!
Doing the new golden route will give you a chance to explore more historical districts, traditional Japanese streets, former samurai homes, and even learn about the ways of ninja! You can even head to the Japanese Alps for amazing mountain views.
The “original” Golden Route of Japan basically is a direct route from Tokyo to Kyoto, although sometimes Hakone and/or Mount Fuji (between Tokyo and Kyoto) and Hiroshima (after Kyoto) are added to that.
In the most simple terms, the New Golden Route is: Tokyo > Kanazawa > Kyoto. And there are options along the way if you want to make more overnight stops than just Kanazawa, like Nagano and Toyama.
It just so happens that there is a shinkansen bullet train line that connects Tokyo and Kanazawa directly, called the Hokuriku shinkansen line. There’s even a train pass for that! It’s the JR Hokuriku Arch pass.
You can use the Hokuriku Arch pass to stop by towns that are along the Hokuriku shinkansen line, or you can plan an alternative Central Japan itinerary to get from Tokyo to Kanazawa that goes a different way by limited express train and bus.
The Golden Route Japan map below is an interactive Google map that will help you get started in understanding the logistical part of putting together a golden route itinerary.
First, I want to explain what’s on the map, and hopefully it will make planning easier!
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So, here’s what’s on the map!
If you want to go straight to the map, here you go: Golden Route Japan map
New Golden Route Japan cities on the Hokuriku shinkansen line
On my map below, the major New Golden Route cities for overnight stays along the Hokuriku shinkansen bullet train line are marked with a pink pin.
Kanazawa
The STAR of the new golden route! Known for: Kenrokuen Garden | Higashi Chaya historical district | Nagamachi samurai district | gold leaf
Also possible: Day trip tour to Shirakawago village
Kanazawa Station
Tokyo to Kanazawa: 2 hours 40 minutes by shinkansen bullet train
Kanazawa to Kyoto: 2 hours by train with 1 transfer, shinkansen bullet train and limited express train
Where to stay in Kanazawa for onsen hotel: Kanazawa Hakuchoro Hotel Sanraku
Nagano
Known for: Day trips to snow monkey park and Togakushi Shrine trees
Also possible: Japanese Alps day trip tours to Hakuba ski resorts (winter), Kamikochi (spring/summer/fall), Tateyama-Kurobe Alpine Route snow wall (spring)
Nagano Station
Tokyo to Nagano: 1.5 hours by shinkansen bullet train
Nagano to Kanazawa: 1 hour 10 minutes by shinkansen
Toyama
Known for: Day trip to the iconic snow wall of Tateyama-Kurobe alpine route in the spring
Toyama Station
Tokyo to Toyama: 2 hours 15 minutes by shinkansen bullet train
Nagano to Toyama: 50 minutes by shinkansen
Toyama to Kanazawa: 20 minutes by shinkansen, 1 hour by regular train
Where to stay near Toyama Station: DoubleTree by Hilton Toyama
More overnight cities
On my map below, more cities for overnight stays are marked with a magenta pin. These cities are not on the shinkansen line, but have good access to Nagano and Kanazawa by train and/or bus.
Takayama
Known for: Sanmachi Suji old town | Shirakawago village day trip
Takayama Station
Tokyo to Takayama: 4.5 hours by train with 1 transfer – shinkansen bullet train and limited express train
Takayama to Kanazawa: 2 hours by train with 1 transfer – limited express train and shinkansen bullet train… or 2.5 hours by bus
Where to stay near Takayama Station: Chisun Grand Takayama
Matsumoto
Known for: Matsumoto Castle | Kamikochi Japanese Alps day trip
Matsumoto Station
Tokyo to Matsumoto: 2 hours 40 minutes by limited express train
Matsumoto to Takayama: 2.5 hours by bus
Matsumoto to Nagano: 1 hour by limited express train
Matsumoto to Kanazawa: 2.5 hours by train with 1 transfer – limited express train and shinkansen bullet train
Where to stay near Matsumoto Station: Iroha Grand Hotel Matsumoto Eki-Mae
Original Golden Route Japan cities
On my map below, the original cities that are commonly on a Golden Route Japan itinerary are marked with a yellow pin.
Tokyo
Most famous things: Shinjuku’s bustling streets | Asakusa historical district | Tokyo Skytree
Tokyo Station
Tokyo to Kanazawa: 2 hours 40 minutes by shinkansen bullet train
Tokyo to Nagano: 1.5 hours by shinkansen
Tokyo to Toyama: 2 hours 15 minutes by shinkansen
Tokyo to Kyoto: 2 hours 15 minutes by shinkansen
Kyoto
Known for: Fushimi Inari red torii shrine gate tunnel | Gion historical district
Kyoto Station
Kanazawa to Kyoto: 2 hours 5 minutes with 1 transfer – shinkansen bullet train and limited express train
Hakone
Known for: Onsen hot springs | Lake Ashi for Mount Fuji views | Owakudani volcanic valley
Hakone-Yumoto Station or Gora Station within Hakone. Odawara is the main gateway town from Tokyo: Tokyo > Odawara > Hakone
Tokyo to Hakone: 2.5+ hours with transfers – by train only, or train and bus combo
Hakone to Kyoto: 3.5 hours with transfers – by train only, or train and bus combo
Hiroshima
Known for: Post-tragedy peace memorial park | Miyajima floating shrine day trip
Hiroshima Station
Tokyo to Hiroshima: 4 hours by shinkansen bullet train
Kyoto to Hiroshima: 1 hour 40 minutes by shinkansen
Hotels: Where to stay
On my map below, hotels are marked with a bed pin.
Tokyo hotel in bustling Shinjuku: The Keio Plaza Hotel is a modern luxury hotel in the heart of Shinjuku, which is a major transport hub with endless restaurants, shops, and nightlife. This hotel also has a free shuttle to Tokyo Disney, which includes Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo Disneysea.
Read the reviews on expedia or booking.com.
Kanazawa hotel with onsen: The Kanazawa Hakuchoro Hotel Sanraku is a hotel with public onsen hot springs bath that has comfortable rooms. It’s a 5 minute walk from the famous Kenrokuen garden and a 10 minute walk from the Higashi Chaya historical district. There’s an option add-on breakfast buffet that has western and Japanese food, and there’s also an on-site upscale restaurant where you can have a fine dining seafood experience for lunch or dinner.
Read the reviews on expedia or booking.com.
Nagano hotel near train station: The Chateraise Hotel Nagano is a simple and comfortable hotel with the option of add-on breakfast that’s a few minutes walking from Nagano Station.
Toyama hotel with onsen near train station: The DoubleTree by Hilton Toyama has comfortable rooms, and is another hotel with a public onsen hot springs bath. It’s a 5 minute walk from Toyama Station.
Read the reviews on booking.com or expedia.
Kyoto hotel in historic district: Stay in the heart of traditional Kyoto at Hotel Yuraku Kyoyasaka, and you’ll be minutes away by foot from several temples, and you can easily walk around Gion, Higashiyama, and streets with the traditional Kyoto vibe.
Takayama hotel near train station: The Chisun Grand Takayama is a simple hotel that makes for a convenient base. It’s a few minutes walk from Takayama Station and a 10 minute walk from the Sanmachi Suji historical district. You can add-on the breakfast buffet, and there’s also free bicycle rental included.
Read the reviews on booking.com or expedia.
Matsumoto hotel near train station: The Iroha Grand Hotel Matsumoto Eki-Mae is a simple and comfortable hotel with an optional breakfast add-on. Being a 5 minute walk from Matsumoto Station and a 10-15 minute walk from Mastumoto Castle, it’s convenient for a short stay.
Read the reviews on booking.com or expedia.
Hakone hotel with private onsen: Hakone is one of the most popular onsen towns near Tokyo. Stay overnight in Hakone at Tensui Saryo and get a classic Japanese experience by choosing a room with a private onsen!
Hiroshima hotel near train station: The Royal Park Hotel Hiroshima Riverside is a few minutes walk from Hiroshima Station, and a 30 minute walk or 10 minute tram ride to the Hiroshima peace park.
Read the reviews on expedia or booking.com.
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Golden Route Japan map
👇 Explore the interactive map below to plan your Golden Route Japan itinerary! Zoom in to get started and click on the icons for more details!
If you are having problems viewing or using the map, you can view it directly on google maps.
JAPAN TRAVEL > TOKYO MAP > CENTRAL JAPAN MAP > KYOTO MAP
>> NEW GOLDEN ROUTE JAPAN ITINERARY
New Golden Route day trip tours
These are classic day trips!
From Kanazawa: Day trip to Shirakawago and Takayama
Read the reviews on getyourguide or viator.
From Nagano or Matsumoto: Day trip to Kamikochi
Read the reviews on getyourguide or viator.
From Nagano or Matsumoto: Day trip to historic Nakasendo Trail town
Read the reviews on getyourguide or viator.
Onsen hotels
Kanazawa: Kanazawa Hakuchoro Hotel Sanraku has comfortable rooms walking distance from the famous garden, as well as from the historical district. There is a public onsen at the hotel.
Read the reviews on expedia or booking.com.
Hakone: Tensui Saryo is located near Gora Station which gives easy access to do the top things in Hakone. You can choose a room with private onsen.
Read the reviews on expedia or booking.com.